Pandrinath Temple

About Pandrinath Temple

Pandrinath is an important pilgrimage centre in Maheshwar, dedicated to Vishnu. The belief held here is that at the end of the Dwapara Yuga, Krishna incarnated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the holy month of Sravan, and that he is affectionately called Pandrinath among his other names.

The building is a temple to the maintainer of the whole world, and its surfaces are worked accordingly: images from the puranas are carved across it, the overhanging balconies carry rich carving and intricate design, and the doors are decorated with minute work that shows the quality of the craftsmanship. The worship of Mahavishnu in the form of Pandrinath, or Vitthala, has its roots in the puranas, and the great Vaishnava saints of the thirteenth to the seventeenth century spread this form of devotion through their teachings, poems and kirtans.

Carving to look for

The puranic images

Scenes and figures from the puranas are carved across the temple, and they are the main reason to spend time here rather than glance and move on. The density of the work is what distinguishes this from the Shiva temples around it.

The overhanging balconies

Balconies project from the upper walls, richly carved and intricately designed. They read best from a few paces back, where you can take in a whole bay at once.

The doorways

The doors carry very fine, small-scale decoration, and this is where the craftsmanship is most obvious. Look at them before you go in, and again on the way out in different light.

Planning your visit

The temple is an active pilgrimage centre in Maheshwar town, within easy walking distance of the fort and the ghats.

• Footwear is removed before entering.
• Morning and evening worship hours are the busiest and the most atmospheric.
• Ekadashi and the Vaishnava festival days draw larger numbers.
• Allow thirty to forty-five minutes if you want to look at the carving properly.

Best time to visit

October to March is the easy season in Maheshwar. Morning light falls well on the carved balconies and doorways, which is the best argument for an early visit. The month of Sravan carries particular significance here given the tradition attached to the deity.